Becoming myself - couldn't be happier with the results

My journey began when I was only 11 years old. I'd been scrolling through social media, looking mostly at artwork of my favorite games and shows, when I came across the word "transgender" for the first time. My curiosity compelled me to search for the word's definition on Google: A person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth... I remember gasping sharply and exclaiming to no one else, "That's me!" It was as if someone had finally given me the language I needed to describe the internal feelings I'd been struggling with for most of my life.

Naturally, this revelation did not come without complications. I remember the visceral discomfort I felt with the way that my body was developing at the time. I remember the shirts that I loved being discarded because they'd show bra straps, and I remember wearing two sports bras at a time throughout my youth just to make the awkward jut of my chest less noticable. Clothes needed to be baggier to hide my form, and it was often better if I did not leave the house at all for fear of how I would be perceived.

Slowly, over the years, I began to come out to those close to me. It started with trying out new names and then new pronouns. It didn't take long until everyone seemed to forget what I used to go by and readily accepted for who I am. A legal name change was an incredible leap towards making the rest of the world see me that way too. But there was still one glaring issue: the dysphoria I felt with my body.

After speaking with a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ health concerns, I was given a list of recommended surgeons to inquire with about receiving top surgery. Dr. Rockmore was one of the names on that list, and after doing a bit of research, I found great comfort in the inclusive way his website was formatted and the gorgeous before-and-after photos of other trans folk who sought his help. An appointment was made, and soon enough, I was able to meet with Dr. Rockmore in person.

The warmth and friendlessness with which he greeted me was a pleasant surprise. It was easy to tell that he genuinely cared about who I was as a person and what I needed to do to finally feel like myself. He was incredibly respectful of my pronouns and identity. He asked all the right questions and made sure that I was making an informed decision. At the same time, he was both encouraging and supportive of this next step in my journey.

When the day of my surgery arrived, all I could feel was the thrum of excitement. It was difficult to keep the smile off of my face as I sat in the waiting room. Dr. Rockmore and all of the individuals who worked with him continued to be kind and respectful throughout the process, and they weren't afraid to crack jokes to put me more at ease too. It felt as though I was surrounded by new friends who truly wanted the best for me and were willing to do whatever they could to help me reach my goals.

Afterwards, as my mother fondly recalls, I looked down at my new chest and said, "I look like me."

Incredibly, I didn't have any pain following my surgery, and while it wasn't entirely pleasant to sleep sitting up during this time, I recovered with an immense amount of joy and gender euphoria. Over the following months, my scars healed beautifully and the sensation returned to my chest. Although I had little "dog ears" on either side, Dr. Rockmore was more than happy to fix those up in a brief additional procedure that required only localized anesthetic. With just a few extra stitches, I was given an even more wonderfully sculpted chest just in time for the summer.

My experience with Dr. Rockmore could not have been any better. It was amazing from beginning to end. I felt truly seen and understood by everyone in his office, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Dr. Rockmore has genuinely changed my life for the better. Without a doubt, I would recommend him to anyone searching for a surgeon who is equally skilled and compassionate. It's remarkable having a surgeon who can manage to be both, and it makes the entire journey more meaningful.

Thank you to Dr. Rockmore and all the spectacular individuals who work with him for helping me be the best version of myself possible.